Baltimore Ravens

Ravens release all-time return TDs leader Devin Hester

Published Dec. 14, 2016 8:39 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Baltimore Ravens rank 26th in punt return average and sixth in kick returns, but they’re moving on from the guy who's held the position all season. He also happens to be the best return man to ever play the game of football.

The Ravens announced Tuesday that they’ve released Devin Hester, the team’s leading return specialist.

Hester didn’t have a great game Monday night against the Patriots. He made a huge mistake by not fielding a punt, which was downed by New England at the 1-yard line. The Patriots turned the Ravens’ terrible field position into two points on the next play, stuffing Baltimore in the end zone for a safety.

Given his age and lack of game-changing plays the past two years, it’s not certain Hester will get another chance. One team that could give him a look, though, is the one that he played Monday night.

The Patriots botched a punt and kickoff return against the Ravens, themselves. Cyrus Jones allowed one to hit his foot while Matthew Slater fumbled a kickoff – both of which were turned into touchdowns for the Ravens.

Hester is averaging 24.5 yards per kick return and 7.2 per punt return this season. He's the NFL's all-time leader in return touchdowns.

If this is the end of the road for Devin Hester, he'll retire with an @NFL record 20 return TD.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) December 13, 2016